Family members and friends of former Philippine Basketball Association cager and Bacoleño Rudy "the Destroyer" Distrito are "happy" despite his conviction for manslaughter in Las Vegas, Nevada last Saturday.

"We stay on the positive side," lawyer Ceasar Distrito told the DAILY STAR in a telephone interview yesterday. Distrito, who is from Brgy. Magsungay, Bacolod City, was sentenced to a minimum of four to a maximum of 12 years in prison for stabbing to death in 2004 Juan Amaya, the Mexican who married his wife.

He reportedly accepted the Nevada court's decision with relief.

He initially pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but later on entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter, reports said.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, upon hearing the news, said he had expected that outcome as that was what Distrito had confided to him. Leonardia had visited Distrito in the Las Vegas jail last November when he attended the Pacquiao-Morales fight.

"If he is happy with the decision, I am also happy for him," Leonardia said. He added that Distrito had been in high spirits during his visit, and had been granted several privileges for good behavior. "I hope the time he has served will be credited and that he can come home soon," the mayor said.

Although "saddened by the sentence", Ceasar, the former PBA star's nephew, said they are "thankful that, at least, it was over."

He said the verdict was better because (Rudy) will be back here in the Philippines, if he is granted a possible parole after two years.

Ceasar Distrito added that his uncle said "sorry" through his constant letters to them and that he is "more at ease now because he can dedicate himself more to God by reading the bible.

He also described Rudy, who used to sponsor a scholarship named after his father, "a good Bacoleño" who also helped many aspirants become players in varsity teams and the Philippine Basketball League.

Negros Basketball Association president Oscar "Dodong" Bascon said he was also "very happy" when he learned about his friend's sentence.

"I almost cried when I heard it," he said.

He said Distrito is a "fantastic friend" who "always goes out of his way to help people."

"I felt bad when he first went to prison. But at least he could come back after two years," Bascon added.* PP

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